The family of an East Belfast grandmother who died following a collision with a bin lorry have thanked those who came to her aid.
Eileen Harding, 75, had gone out to visit the shop to collect her daily newspaper when she was hit by a bin lorry on the Newtownards Road on Thursday, February 3.
Sadly she died a few days later on Saturday, with the caring staff at the Royal Victoria Hospital ensuring she stayed alive until her children were able to come home to Belfast to say their goodbyes.
She has left behind four children, 10 grandchildren and three great grandchildren, along with her partner of 30 years Jackie Hutchinson so are all heartbroken over her loss.
The family have also thanked those who came to Eileen's aid following the collision and expressed their sympathies to the driver of the bin lorry saying they hold no ill will and feel for them following the "terrible accident".
Speaking to Belfast Live, her granddaughter Leanne Culbert said: "Granny had gone out to the shop like she did everyday to collect her papers when she was involved in the collision on the Newtownards Road.
"She was very badly injured and taken to the Royal Victoria Hospital where the amazing staff did their very best for her and kept her with us until all of her children were able to return home. Sadly though due to the extent of her injuries we made the tough decision to say goodbye to her, one day before her 76th birthday.
"Our whole family are truly heartbroken at her loss, she was such a wonderful mother and grandmother. Her partner of 30 years, Jackie, has also lost his best friend who he travelled the world with.
"As a family we would like to thank the woman in the shop who contacted us following the collision and two kind women who stayed with her until she was taken to hospital, it really meant a lot to us.
"We would also like to send our condolences to the driver of the bin lorry and hope that he is managing to cope following the terrible accident. We are not looking for anyone to blame and understand that they will be devastated as well about what happened."
Belfast City Council has confirmed that one of its vehicles was involved in a road collision in which a pedestrian was knocked down on Thursday morning.
A council spokesperson said: “We can confirm that one of our vehicles was involved in a road traffic collision on the Upper Newtownards Road on Thursday morning. Police are investigating and we will be fully assisting them in their inquiries.”
Police investigating a collision involving a lorry and a pedestrian in East Belfast are appealing for witnesses and any dash-cam footage.
Detective Sergeant Harrison added: “Shortly after 9:15am, it was reported that a pedestrian and a lorry were involved in the collision at the junction with Grampian Avenue. Eileen was taken to hospital, but has sadly died following her injuries.
“As part of our enquiries, we would like to speak with two females who came to the assistance of Eileen who could help with our investigation.
“The Collision Investigation Unit is appealing to anyone who was in the area at the time and may have witnessed the collision or who has dash-cam footage or any other information to contact police on 101 quoting reference number 368 03/02/22.”
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